[How it Works](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/how-it-works/) [Bookshop](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/books/bindery/) [Publishing](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/publishing/) [Team](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/team/) [Contact](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/contact/) Log in or Sign up The Killing Spell Shay Kauwe Save to Your Books [Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/92944/9781668053287) 100% of affiliate revenue supports Fairly Queer Books In this spellbinding fantasy debut set in a future where language magic reigns, a young Hawaiian woman must solve a murder to clear her name. Kea Petrova is dealing with more than her fair share of trouble. At just twenty-five years old, she’s the youngest of five Hawaiian clan leaders living on the Homestead in outer Los Angeles. Nearly 200 years ago, when a catastrophic flood submerged the Hawaiian islands and unleashed magic into the world, these clans forged a treaty with the city, establishing a new Hawaiian homeland. But that treaty is about to expire. Kea struggles to keep her small clan afloat, scraping together rent each month through odd jobs and selling her own crafted Hawaiian language spells. While her talent for language magic is her saving grace, she feels like a shadow of those who came before her. Just when she thinks things can’t get any more complicated, the murder of Angelo Reyes—LA’s most prominent Filipino activist—turns her world upside-down. Angelo was killed by a death spell—something that, due to the properties of each school of language magic, can only exist in Hawaiian. With independent spellsmithing being technically illegal, Kea quickly becomes the prime suspect, known for her spellwork on the Homestead. To clear her name, she must unravel the mystery behind Angelo’s murder and confront LA’s most powerful (and dangerous) players, each wielding their own type of magic. The clock is ticking—can Kea save herself, her clan, and the Homestead before it’s too late? Show more Get the Bindery app * * * Posts about this title from Fairly Queer Books [Fairly Queer Books\\ \\ Fareeha\\ \\ • Jul 28](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/) [Back on Youtube ! Help me choose my next read](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/item/DwPD2eesw7a0iuc0auo3/) It's been a while! Here's a short video to slowly make my way back onto youtube. * * * 10 books 2 Posts about this book from across Bindery [Fairly Queer Books\\ \\ Fareeha\\ \\ • Jul 28](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/) [Back on Youtube ! Help me choose my next read](https://fairlyqueer.binderybooks.com/item/DwPD2eesw7a0iuc0auo3/) It's been a while! Here's a short video to slowly make my way back onto youtube. * * * 10 books 2 [ofpagesandprint\\ \\ Dahlia\\ \\ • May 20](https://ofpagesandprint.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [With a little over a week left in May, I wanted to share some of the incredible AANHPI stories on my TBR to continue celebrating AANHPI voices all year long!\\ \*Pitches from the publishers.\\ \\ - _Strange Familiars_ by Keshe Chow - Two scholars of magical veterinary science must put aside their lust and loathing to save the world in the first installment of this whimsical, romantic, dark academia duology. ( _Strange Familiars_ is also the July pick for Musings of the Nine Book Club! Keshe will join the club to comment insight about _Strange Familiars_ and chat with the club as we read. We hope you join us!)\\ \\ - _For No Mortal Creature_ by Keshe Chow - In this romantic, gothic fantasy inspired by _Wuthering Heights_, a teen girl with the power to move between life and death must journey into the afterlife. But to survive, she’ll need the help of her two sworn enemies—both dangerously captivating, both hiding secrets that could destroy her.\\ \\ - _Unfinished Business_ by Clare Osongo - In this funny, warmly chaotic tale of love, a floundering office worker discovers her mother's ghost is trapped in the company Slack server, and must free her by resolving her own troubled love life.\\ \\ - _The Fast Track_ by Angelica Cheng - An ambitious racer who dreams of becoming the first female F1 champion finds her plans going off track when she catches feelings for her biggest competition in this dishy, delicious contemporary romance for fans of love, Lynn Painter, and Lewis Hamilton.\\ \\ - _The Revenant of Surolifia_ by Florence Chien - In the vein of The Traitor Baru Cormorant and The Unbroken, The Revenant of Surolifia is a gripping political fantasy of empire, identity, and impossible choices, where rebellion blazes in the streets, loyalty is a double-edged sword, and the price of peace may be too steep to pay.\\ \\ - _The Game of Oaths_ by S.C. Bandreddi - In this heart-pounding, richly imagined fantasy set in the Belle Époque, a trapeze artist fights to win a deadly tournament amid the glamour and illusions of a magical circus. But survival isn’t her only goal—she wants revenge.\\ \\ - _Witch Daughter_ by Tanaz Bhathena - In her adult debut, award-winning author Tanaz Bhathena expertly weaves a tale of love and loss in ancient Persia with her take on the timeless tragedy of Tahmineh, a temptress, a witch, a victim, or, perhaps, a woman trying her hardest to protect her loved ones.\\ \\ - _Burn the Sea_ by Mona Tewari - A fierce Indian queen must defend her country against both the colonizing monsters attacking from the sea and the cowardly manipulations of a neighboring king…who happens to be her husband.\\ \\ - _The Secret World of Briar Rose_ by Cindy Pham - A lush and immersive queer “Sleeping Beauty” retelling about escapism, grief, and dreaming of a better world.\\ \\ - _A Kiss of Crimson Ash_ by Anuja Varghese - Inspired by medieval India’s most epic love stories, this debut Romantasy blends rich storytelling, lush worldbuilding, and spice of every variety. Perfect for fans of Nisha J. Tuli and Tasha Suri.\\ \\ - _The Book of Fallen Leaves_ by A.S. Tamaki - _Shogun_ meets _Game of Thrones_ in this epic fantasy debut of ambition, vengeance, and sacrifice.\\ \\ - _Coldwire_ by Chloe Gong - The start of a daring new dystopian series where humanity has moved to virtual reality to flee their deteriorating world, following two young soldiers who must depend on unlikely allies in their fight for survival.\\ \\ - _The God and the Gumiho_ by Sophie Kim - In this sly and dazzling contemporary fantasy, the most notorious nine-tailed fox in Korea pairs up with a trickster god–turned–detective to track down a wrathful demon . . . before it can destroy the mortal world.\\ \\ - _Blood Over Bright Haven_ by M.L. Wang - The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of _The Sword of Kaigen_.\\ \\ - _Double Happiness_ by Heather Eng - Caught between a relentless tech job, her adoring fiancé, and an unexpected new flame, Mei must learn what it means to choose herself.\\ \\ - _Brighter Than Nine_ (sequel to _Darker By Four_) by June C.L. Tan - The Shadowhunter Chronicles meets the Chinese underworld, drawing inspiration from diaspora folklore, in this epic, sweeping contemporary fantasy duology.\\ \\ - _Checking You Out_ by Jennifer Chen - _XO, Kitty_ meets _Dash & Lily_ in this rom com about two teens falling in love via letters left in their favorite library books—even if in real life they think they have nothing in common.\\ \\ - _Roar_ by Varsha Bajaj - The gripping story of a boy whose eye-opening trip to a tiger sanctuary ignites his desire to join those who are roaring to protect the animals.\\ \\ - _Babel_ by R.F. Kuang - A historical fantasy epic that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the British Empire.\\ \\ - _Fishbone Cinderella_ by Elizabeth Lim - A mother and daughter must break their family’s curse through trials of war and immigration, love, loss, and redemption in this riveting multi-generational saga with a shimmer of magic.\\ \\ - _The Killing Spell_ by Shay Kauwe - In this spellbinding fantasy debut set in a future where language magic reigns, a young Hawaiian woman must solve a murder to clear her name.\\ \\ - _Japanese Gothic_ by Kylie Lee Baker - In this lyrical, wildly inventive horror novel interwoven with Japanese mythology, two people living centuries apart discover a door between their worlds.\\ \\ \\ Happy AANHPI Heritage Month!](https://ofpagesandprint.binderybooks.com/item/w8ybreAz4RMi6uF1KFu5/) [AANHPI Books on My TBR!](https://ofpagesandprint.binderybooks.com/item/w8ybreAz4RMi6uF1KFu5/) * * * 22 books 4 [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • May 2](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [MAY BOOKCLUB PICK](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/p6FLFVjSIbveG0r80Wy8/) * * * 1 book 7 [Boozhoo Books\\ \\ Naomi\\ \\ • Apr 25](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Friends, \\ \\ I'm back from New York and slowly adjusting! I've got Bookcon updates and more for you! I admit I am behind on EVERYTHING and might be that way for the next month! I'm behind on bookclub- our readalong- our calendar- and content LOL (though I do have TWO BIG surprises for paid subscribers later today)\\ \\ Each month, I select one day for us to support an indie bookshop as a community and what more perfect day that INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY!\\ \\ This month, we are supporting Quiet Quail Books, an Indigenous owned bookstore located in San Bernardino! All purchases through bookshop support both Quiet Quail Books (an Indigenous bookshop) and this imprint! \\ \\ One of the things I love about being a book content creator is sharing curated lists! I've attached some books to this post for easy clicking, but I've also created some lists. And if you don't like any of those, once you click on my bookshop link, you can buy anything and it will support Quiet Quaill! \\ \\ Must Read Women in Horror\\ \\ Must Read Indigenous Horror\\ \\ Must Read Indigenous Romance\\ \\ Must Read Indigenous Fantasy/Sci Fi\\ \\ Must Read Indigenous Thriller and Mystery\\ \\ From The Mixed Up Desk Indigenous Faves\\ \\ Also, what a perfect day to pre-order What Feeds Below! <3 (Speaking of What Feeds Below, paid subscribers- give me an hour and a very cool sneak peek is coming!)](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/9ttghAOXsmkJNebbj9Zc/) [Community Event: Support Indie Bookstores Day](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/9ttghAOXsmkJNebbj9Zc/) * * * 10 books 14 [Two Stories Bookshop\\ \\ Queer-Owned Shelves🌈\\ \\ • Apr 14](https://twostoriesbookshop.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [I wanted to highlight some April 14 releases we're excited for!\\ \\ - THE KILLING SPELL by Shay Kauwe\\ \\ - JAPANESE GOTHIC by Kylie Lee Baker\\ \\ - WIFE SHAPED BODIES by Lauren Cranehill\\ \\ - THESE FAMILIAR WALLS by C. J. Dotson\\ \\ - MORSEL by Carter Keane\\ \\ \\ Pick these up by clicking the links in this update or by searching through our Bookshop.org page yourself! You can also pick up the audiobooks on our Libro.fm storefront (use code CHOOSEINDIE for a new membership and get a free audiobook!). \\ \\ Happy reading!](https://twostoriesbookshop.binderybooks.com/item/wBMbHlEdFK0p1DBcPfie/) [April 14 Releases!](https://twostoriesbookshop.binderybooks.com/item/wBMbHlEdFK0p1DBcPfie/) * * * 5 books 2 [Ronnica Reads\\ \\ Ronnica Fatt\\ \\ • Apr 13](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Here are some April 14th new book releases on my radar (and should be on yours!). First, the one I had a chance to read already:\\ \\ **_Midnight, at the War_ by Devi S. Laskar** 5/5 stars\\ \\ Put this on your TBR if you want to explore the humanity in war-torn areas alongside personal messiness. An incredibly timely book (Explosions being more newsworthy than the lives of brown people? Tracks).\\ \\ And the six I'm still waiting to get my hands on (but at least I have the first 2 preordered!):\\ \\ **_Japanese Gothic_ by Kylie Lee Baker**\\ \\ Why it interests me: Japanese and gothic are two of my favorite descriptions of a book. But still, I was more excited that this Kylie Lee Baker's adult followup to _Bat Eater_.\\ \\ **_The Killing Spell_ by Shay Kauwe**\\ \\ Why it interests me: Hawaiian fantasy.\\ \\ **_Dear Monica Lewinsky_ by Julia Langbein**\\ \\ Why it interests me: this seems like a fascinating jumping off point for discussion around misogyny and inappropriate relationships.\\ \\ **_Leave Your Mess at Home_ by Tolani Akinola**\\ \\ Why it interests me: messy 2nd generation Nigerian immigrant sisters.\\ \\ **_Cleo Dang Would Rather be Dead_ by Mai Nguyen**\\ \\ Why it interests me: explores grief.\\ \\ **_The Take_ by Kelly Yang**\\ \\ Why it interests me: speculative fiction exploring aging and power.](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/item/zfaTDErrLN6MKOEF3n4Z/) [April 14th Releases that Should be on your Radar](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/item/zfaTDErrLN6MKOEF3n4Z/) * * * 8 books 3 [Two Stories Bookshop\\ \\ Queer-Owned Shelves🌈\\ \\ • Apr 10](https://twostoriesbookshop.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Hello, friends!\\ \\ So we're going to be doing a Libro.fm Golden Ticket giveaway to honor Indie Bookstore Day on April 25! The Golden Ticket is good for 12 audiobook credits on Libro.fm! \\ \\ Rules:\\ \\ 1. Follow us on Instagram \\ \\ 2. Follow us on TikTok\\ \\ 3. Share our post about our Bindery account on your story on either platform (tag Ryn or the bookstore account!)\\ \\ \\ Each share earns you one entry into the giveaway! It runs until April 25 at 11:59pm! I'll draw the winner on April 26. I have posted this giveaway on both Instagram and TikTok, so there will be a large pool of people who can win! \\ \*\*If you do not have social media, all I ask is that you consider ordering a book through our Bookshop.org shelves, perhaps the upcoming release The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe? I LOVED IT. \\ \\ Thanks!\\ \\ Ryn](https://twostoriesbookshop.binderybooks.com/item/w2ccDOFgF8z4hOJlQ1Ke/) [LIBRO.FM GOLDEN TICKET GIVEAWAY!](https://twostoriesbookshop.binderybooks.com/item/w2ccDOFgF8z4hOJlQ1Ke/) * * * 1 book 2 [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • Apr 1](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [5 Black and brown ARCs I can't wait to read!](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/iRAZ0iFmkSWgAnMJP7Q0/) * * * 5 books 9 [1](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/iRAZ0iFmkSWgAnMJP7Q0/#comments) [Boozhoo Books\\ \\ Naomi\\ \\ • Dec 2 2025](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Hello,\\ \\ So excited for next years books! Can't wait to read them together! If you aren't in the bookclub yet, simply join the Discord to join in the fun.\\ \\ [Good Day To Read Indigenous Book Club 2026 Reads](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/4vp4Tp9JWvWJgEjYFJta/) * * * 12 books 13